Treating Bunions

Although a bunion won't go away, wearing shoes that fit correctly will often relieve the pain. Padding the bunion and icing it may also help. Bunions that remain painful may need surgery.

To relieve a bunion, you don't have to buy shoes that are out of fashion. But follow these tips:

• Shop for shoes late in the day. This is when your feet are the largest.
• Have both feet measured. Fit shoes to your larger foot.
• Look for shoes that have the same shape as your foot but are slightly wider across the toes.
• Choose low-heeled shoes.
• Always try shoes on. Stand up and walk around. If the shoes aren't comfortable, don't buy them.

To help relieve a painful bunion, put an ice cube in a plastic bag. Rub the ice on the bunion for 5 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day.

You may want to put a bunion-shield type of pad over the bunion to cushion it. You can buy bunion pads at most drugstores. Also, you can use toe spacers or other inserts in your shoe to help decrease the pain from a bunion.

If wearing wider shoes and padding the bunion does not relieve the pain, your doctor may suggest surgery. During surgery, the bunion is shaved away and the bones are put back in a straight line.